Overview
When the construction of a new international terminal introduced efficiency and safety challenges, Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS) became one of the first ANSPs to invest in a permanent remote apron management system.
What began in 2010 as a four-camera installation overlooking Apron 9 has grown into a 62-camera system covering 10 locations. In addition to strengthening safety, efficiency, and visibility, this digital apron system supports Malta International Airport’s capacity and infrastructure goals—ultimately setting the airport and ANSP on a digital transformation journey.
“With the blind spots eliminated, the controllers now have clear views of the apron, taxiways and runways. They no longer rely on pilot confirmation that the runway is clear. Likewise, we know when vehicles have finished safety inspections.
This has resulted in increased situational awareness, improved safety and quicker reaction times, all of which can positively impact capacity,” says Daniel Chircop, Senior Head of Systems, Malta Air Traffic Services
Challenge
A new international terminal built in the late ‘90s next to Apron 9 obscured the view for air traffic controllers, creating visibility, safety, and efficiency challenges.
“The tower is located between the two runways, at the end of the main runway and far from Apron 9, which had then become the main apron. As a result, the tower had poor visibility of this apron, and a number of blind spots, including zero visibility of certain stands,” says Chircop.
To work around these challenges, an apron controller position was established in 2001. From this new position in a building extension located at the main terminal, apron controllers managed aircraft movements on Apron 9 and all other aerodrome traffic was handled by a single tower controller.
However, MATS quickly recognized that this was a temporary solution for a busy, near-capacity airport. Malta is one of the smallest European Union countries and one of the most densely populated—and has just one airport. The Malta International Airport accepts all aircraft classes and in 2024 supported 8.96 million passengers.
In 2010, a new Ground Movement Controller (GMC) position was created, but this did not resolve the visibility challenges at Apron 9.
Solution
Fortunately, in 2009 MATS and Searidge connected at a trade event, sparking a decades-long relationship that exists today. This meeting ultimately resulted in MATS becoming one of the first ANSPs to invest in a permanent remote apron management system.
- Phase 1: Remote Apron Management System Installed
The 2010 installation provided real-time video feeds from four digital camera sensors to two workstations within the tower. The stitched video feed provided controllers with a 180-degree panoramic view of Apron 9—ending the dependency on an out-the-window view.
“With the improved visibility from the four cameras, we could confidently relocate the ramp controllers into the tower. The improved communication between the controllers definitely had the added benefit of improving teamwork and morale,” says Chircop. - Phase 2: Expanded Taxiway and Runway Coverage
Over the next five years, the Searidge remote apron system expanded from one to 10 locations, with 38 cameras providing visibility across all Malta International Airport taxiways, runways, thresholds, and hold lines. - Phase 3: System Expansion and Refresh
A complete system refresh was planned for 2020 to ensure MATS was using the latest hardware and software. While the pandemic delayed a planned site acceptance in May 2020, the Searidge team supported MATS remotely with the installation and upgrades.
The digital apron management system at MATS has now undergone a full hardware and software refresh, including:
Camera expansion: increased from 38 to 62 cameras
Thermal coverage: six thermal cameras to improve visibility in dark locations
Workstation upgrades: new graphics cards and touchscreens across all units
Enhanced HMI layouts for improved controller interaction
Stitched video views: multiple inputs allowing controllers to independently select from 10 airport locations
Upgraded video archiving for improved storage and retrieval
Benefits
- Elimination of blind spots and improved visibility
- Total airfield visibility for increased situational awareness
- Enhanced safety
- Faster reaction times to apron, taxiway, and runway events
- Support for airport expansion and growth with full camera coverage
- Easier incident investigations with video archiving
- Improved controller communication and collaboration
“Over the years, we’ve developed an excellent working relationship with Searidge. When it’s needed, support is always there, and the company has always been very responsive. In terms of innovation, the two businesses have developed a rapport, sharing new ideas and excitement for ground-breaking innovation,” says Chircop.
- Read On A Pathway To Digital Transformation
- Learn more about our Digital Apron
- Read Digital Apron Management: Driving Benefit from Digital Apron Control
- Have questions about improving airside efficiency and safety? Contact us to learn how Searidge products address complex airside challenges with AI-powered automation, digital platforms, and collaborative tools.
